Informal traders were again one of the topics discussed at the recently held Subcouncil 3 meeting. Subcouncil 3 includes Wards 1, 4, 5, 104 and 113.
During the meeting on Thursday 25 August under the item for informal trading plans, Shirley Alexander, district area coordinator – area economic development north, indicated that law enforcement officers conduct regular visits to Ward 1 to address some of the issues that arise in the area.
Ward 1, the biggest ward in Cape Town, includes Panorama, Monte Vista, Plattekloof, Plattekloof Glen and Welgelegen.
In June this year Cheryl Visser, Ward councillor, said often along Plattekloof Road, informal traders overnight at these sites and requested law enforcement to inspect the area (“Traders comply”, 29/6).
Alexander said on Thursday last week that they have also met with informal traders in Ward 5, to ask that they keep the site clean.
Ward 5 includes Bothasig and Edgemead.
Compliance officers
“We have not had compliance officers for a while, but that is being resolved,” she said.
Alexander said that for the most part traders in this ward are compliant. “There are one or two who leave their things behind, but most of them are compliant.”
She said compliance officers will be signed to three-year contracts going forward which will hopefully help with continuity.
“They will be on the road when their vehicles have been sorted out,” she said.
Three public participation processes are set to take place this week in Ward 4 at the Milnerton Community Hall, in Summer Greens and in Joe Slovo Park to resolve matters relating to informal traders.
The meetings were welcomed by Ward councillor Anthony Benadie, who indicated that he is looking forward to it.
Apart from informal traders, a few other topics on the agenda were discussed last week, including the recent resignation of Ward 5 councillor, Helen Carstens. Carstens resigned on 15 July.
Subcouncil chair Phindile Maxiti says the post was left vacant, but that a by-election is set to take place in October this year where a new Ward councillor will be elected.
Maxiti thanked Carstens for her contribution throughout the years and wished her well.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 22 September at 10:00.
